別: the kanji for separate and different
別 is a JLPT N4 kanji that means separate, different. Below are its readings, 9 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
別 is written in 7 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
別 has 2 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 9 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ベツ (betsu)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 特別とくべつ · tokubetsu | special |
| 区別くべつ · kubetsu | distinction |
| 別々べつべつ · betsubetsu | separately |
| 個別こべつ · kobetsu | individual |
| 性別せいべつ · seibetsu | gender |
| 送別会そうべつかい · sōbetsukai | farewell party |
| 別件べっけん · bekken | another matter |
わかれる (wakareru)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 別れるわかれる · wakareru | to part; to separate |
| 別れわかれ · wakare | farewell |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- お会計は別々でお願いします。O-kaikei wa betsubetsu de onegai shimasu.Separate checks, please.
- 来週、部長の送別会があります。Raishū, buchō no sōbetsukai ga arimasu.There's a farewell party for the department manager next week.
- 別件でご相談があります。Bekken de go-sōdan ga arimasu.I have something else I'd like to discuss with you.
- 今日は特別な日です。Kyō wa tokubetsu na hi desu.Today is a special day.
- 駅でみんなと別れました。Eki de minna to wakaremashita.I said goodbye to everyone at the station.
- 個別にご説明します。Kobetsu ni go-setsumei shimasu.I'll explain to each of you individually.
Questions about 別
How many strokes does 別 have?
別 is written in 7 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 別?
The on readings are betsu (ベツ). The kun readings are wakareru (わかれる).
How do you ask for separate checks in Japan?
Say 別々でお願いします (betsubetsu de onegai shimasu). Many restaurants in Japan give one check per table, so ask before paying. Splitting the bill equally is 割り勘 (warikan).
What JLPT level is 別?
N4. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N4 is designed to match the former Level 3.
More JLPT N4 kanji
Study and thinking
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 別
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.